Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Arden Arcade California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Arden Arcade CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school ought to be taken into consideration too. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Arden Arcade CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Arden Arcade CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations in the profession are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Arden Arcade CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Arden Arcade CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Arden Arcade CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Arden Arcade CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Arden Arcade CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Arden Arcade CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Arden Arcade CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Arden Arcade CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Arden Arcade
Enroll in the Right Arden Arcade Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Arden Arcade residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Arden Arcade California.
Arden Arcade Paralegal Certificate Programs | Arden Arcade Paralegal Certificate